Anti-HIV-1 activity of myo-inositol hexaphosphoric acid (IP6) and myo-inositol hexasulfate(IS6)

It is known that polysulfates have some anti-HIV-1 activity. We investigate d the anti-HIV-1 activity of myo-inositol hexaphosphoric acid (IP6) and myo -inositol hexasulfate (IS6), low molecular weight carbohydrates. IP6 and IS 6 inhibited the replication of HIV-1 in a T cell line as well as that of a freshly isolated strain in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Neither subs tance inhibited HIV-1-induced giant cell formation, but addition of IS6 whe n infecting cells with HIV-1 inhibited the replication of HIV-1. Neither su bstance inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity in vitro and no infl uence on late stage replication was noted. Although the mechanisms of IP6 a nd IS6 action remain unclear, it can be speculated that they act on HIV-1 e arly replicative stage. Although it is not possible to develop IP6 and IS6 themselves as anti-AIDS drugs, studies of these anti-HIV agents might be ex pected to provide seed for eventual production of superior drugs for AIDS t reatment.